The Indian Navy’s Talwar-class guided-missile frigate INS Trishul concluded its port call at Souda Bay, Greece, on November 3, 2026, marking a significant chapter in its ongoing Mediterranean deployment. The warship had arrived there on October 31 for a series of professional exchanges, cultural engagements and familiarisation visits that underscored the growing maritime partnership between India and Greece.
Keywords: INS Trishul, India Greece naval cooperation, PASSEX Souda Bay, Indian Navy Mediterranean deployment, Hellenic Navy HS Limnos, India-Greece strategic ties
A key operational highlight was the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) conducted with the Hellenic Navy’s frigate HS Limnos (F451) upon departure. The exercise featured coordinated seamanship and manoeuvring drills, cross-deck helicopter landings by INS Trishul’s integral helicopter, and communication procedure practices. These evolutions enhanced interoperability and allowed both navies to exchange professional expertise and best practices at sea.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Trishul called on senior Hellenic Navy functionaries as well as the heads of the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC) and the US Naval Support Activity at Souda Bay. India’s Ambassador to Greece, Ravi Shankar, boarded the ship, received a briefing on its combat capabilities and interacted with the crew. A cultural event hosted on-board brought together the Ambassador, senior officers from the Hellenic and US navies, NATO representatives and members of the Indian diaspora, reinforcing people-to-people and institutional linkages.
The engagement carries deeper historical resonance. India and Greece share ancient commercial and strategic connections dating back more than two millennia. The Indo-Greek kingdoms that flourished after Alexander’s campaigns facilitated extensive trade in spices, textiles, precious stones and philosophical ideas along maritime and overland routes. Hellenistic influences shaped early Indian art and coinage, while Indian knowledge systems travelled westwards. In the modern era, these civilisational ties have evolved into a contemporary strategic partnership focused on maritime security, defence industry collaboration and shared democratic values.
INS Trishul’s successful visit and the PASSEX with HS Limnos demonstrate the Indian Navy’s expanding operational footprint in the Mediterranean and its commitment to strengthening partnerships with like-minded navies. The interaction reinforces mutual understanding and operational readiness in a strategically vital region, contributing to broader India-Greece defence cooperation.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
